Why My Son Wants To Help His Grandmother

“Grandchildren complete life’s circle of love.”

For the fall semester, my 14-year-old has a freshman health class. Tailor’s class is learning about the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes. Nothing is more convincing than graphic images that show the deterioration of the human body.

Last week, he shared the video with me. I sat and watched Part two and three. The video is striking and disturbing. If you are a parent, watch the video and show it to your children. If you know a smoker, share it with them too.

My son is concerend about his grandmother’s health. She is 84 years-old.

For 68 lasting years, tobacco has infiltrated every aspect of her body.

He hears her deep and continuous cough… the loud rattling echoing from her lungs. My son notices her shortness of breath after only a few steps. He wants to extend her life.

She quietly sat and watched the seven and half minute video. Below is their post-viewing chat.

My Mom: Thank you for letting me look at the video Tailor.

Tailor: Do you think the video will change the way you feel about smoking?

My Mom: It’s not that easy to quit. You have cravings…

She said goodnight to everyone and went to her room.

Tailor sat on the computer to look up strategies on how to help a smoker quit. Monday, he’ll try one approach: asking her to walk with him after dinner.

He knows there is a good possibility that she will shoot him down, but hubby and I encouraged him to try anyway.

In the shadow of observing the two, I realized how badly my son wants to convince his grandmother to quit smoking. Just maybe he can do something that no one else has been able to do.